The Diamondback Sidekick Birdshead is a compact, versatile revolver chambered in .22LR and .22 Magnum, offering shooters a blend of nostalgia and practicality. With a 3-inch barrel, convertible cylinders, and a birdshead grip, this revolver pays homage to classic Western-style wheel guns while integrating modern features for today’s shooters.
To truly appreciate the Diamondback Sidekick Birdshead, it’s essential to understand the history of the birdshead grip revolver and how this design has evolved over time.
The History of the Birdshead Grip Revolver
The birdshead grip traces its origins back to the 19th century, when Colt’s and Remington’s single-action revolvers dominated the American frontier. The grip’s design resembles the curved shape of a bird’s head, providing a more ergonomic and concealable profile compared to the traditional plow-handle grip.
Origins in the Wild West
During the late 1800s, revolvers were everyday tools for lawmen, outlaws, and civilians alike. Standard revolvers, such as the Colt Single Action Army (SAA), featured a larger, more squared-off grip, which was excellent for full-power cartridges but not always ideal for concealability.
Gunmakers recognized the need for a more compact, easier-to-draw firearm. By the 1890s, Colt and other manufacturers introduced the birdshead grip on pocket revolvers, like the Colt Lightning and Thunderer. These revolvers were favored by gamblers, saloonkeepers, and anyone needing a discreet sidearm.
Popularity in the 20th Century
As semi-automatic pistols became more prevalent in the early 1900s, revolvers—especially those with birdshead grips—declined in use. However, the Old West revival of the mid-20th century, fueled by Hollywood Westerns, brought classic revolvers back into demand.
Gunmakers such as Ruger, Uberti, and Cimarron continued to produce single-action birdshead revolvers, catering to cowboy action shooters and collectors. Today, modern companies like Diamondback Firearms have revived the birdshead grip in a practical, budget-friendly package.
The Diamondback Sidekick Birdshead: Features and Benefits
The Diamondback Sidekick Birdshead builds on this legacy, offering a small-framed revolver that is both affordable and functional for a wide range of shooters.
Key Features
- Caliber: .22LR and .22 Magnum (Convertible)
- Barrel Length: 3 inches
- Grip: Birdshead-style polymer
- Capacity: 9 rounds
- Action: Single and double action
- Finish: Black Cerakote
- Frame Material: Zinc alloy
The Birdshead Grip Made Famous in the Old West
Why Choose the Sidekick Birdshead?
- Compact and Concealable
The birdshead grip reduces printing under clothing, making the Sidekick a solid choice for a backup gun or trail companion. - Convertible Cylinders
Shooters can swap between .22LR for low-cost plinking and .22 Magnum for increased power, adding versatility to the revolver.
- Single & Double Action
Unlike traditional single-action revolvers, the Sidekick Birdshead offers double-action capability, making it quicker and more practical for self-defense. - Affordable & Reliable
At an MSRP under $350, the Sidekick Birdshead is one of the most budget-friendly .22 Magnum revolvers on the market. - Classic Styling with Modern Materials
The polymer grip and Cerakote finish enhance durability while maintaining the Old West aesthetic.
The Diamondback Sidekick Birdshead revives the charm of classic Western revolvers with a modern, functional twist. Whether for plinking, small-game hunting, or personal defense, this compact .22 revolver delivers reliability, versatility, and a touch of nostalgia—all at an unbeatable price.
For those who appreciate the history of the birdshead grip revolver but want modern performance, the Sidekick Birdshead is a perfect blend of past and present.
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